How I Became the Karaoke World Champion: My Journey to the Top

My karaoke journey kicked off in Curicó, Chile, when I was just 17. I belted out “Hero” by Mariah Carey in a local bar. I was so nervous, but the rush of performing was unforgettable. To my surprise, I won a prize that was supposed to be a trip to the Dominican Republic. It felt a bit sketchy, and nothing came of it, but that didn’t stop me. Fifteen years later, I finally got to travel thanks to a karaoke competition.

Karaoke quickly became my escape. I sing every day—whether I’m in my room, the shower, or cleaning up. My music tastes are varied; I adore rock, hip-hop, and cumbia among others.

Initially, I worked odd jobs in hospitality. About seven years ago, I decided to share my singing online. That led to my first gig at a casino, and from there, I found a steady stream of performances in restaurants and malls across Chile. It was fantastic practice for my karaoke pursuits. My repertoire grew to include pop music in both English and Spanish, rancheras, and reggaeton.

Five years into this journey, I began entering singing competitions. I made it to the semifinals of “The Voice Chile” in 2022, and last year I won the Chilean heats of the Karaoke World Championships, which took me to the finals in Finland.

Karaoke is about expressing your feelings through the song. I’m not good at talking about my feelings, but I can show them through lyrics.

Karaoke isn’t just a fun night out; it’s competitive too, just like shows like “The Voice” or “The X Factor.” In competitions, judges look for more than just singing. They observe your stage presence, how you interpret the song, and your technique.

Choosing the right songs is crucial. I opted for “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman” and Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” in the championships. Both showcase a wide vocal range, which is vital for impressing judges.

For me, karaoke is a way to communicate feelings I can’t express otherwise. Even though I prefer singing over chatting, I love both casual and competitive karaoke. At the finals, I found myself performing in Turku, Finland—a chilly and new experience that felt surreal.

I had no formal vocal training, so I learned by watching artists perform my chosen songs. I studied their techniques, including vocal styles and nuances.

At the finals, I had to sing four songs in front of judges and a live audience from 42 countries. I was terrified. Being the only non-English speaker made it more intimidating, but hearing fellow Chileans cheer me on offered comfort. I scored 429 points, placing first ahead of a close competitor.

When I won, I couldn’t believe it. My heart raced, and I felt a wave of joy wash over me. Competing against such talented artists made the victory even more surreal.

Despite my success, I often grapple with impostor syndrome. Yet, I’m taking steps to start recording my own music. It’s incredible how karaoke began this journey for me, starting with Mariah Carey’s song.

As told to Naomi Larsson Piñeda

Do you have a story to share? Reach out to experience@theguardian.com